Ranking the best racehorses in history is no easy feat. But we’ve compiled a list of the finest equine athletes to grace the track.
There are several types of racehorses, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Some are better suited for sprinting, while others excel at longer distances. Some specialize in steeplechase racing, which involves jumping over obstacles.
The best racehorses have demonstrated exceptional speed, stamina, and agility on the track. They’ve won prestigious races and set new records. And they’ve captured the hearts of racing fans around the world.
Here are the 10 best racehorses in history:
Dr. Fager, born in 1964,
Winning record: 18 wins, 22 starts, 2 seconds, 1 third
Gains: $1,002,642
Dr. Fager’s most devastating weapon was his blinding speed, which he could transfer over long distances. He set or matched five track records ranging from seven to one-quarter miles in length, including a legendary mile in 1:32 1/5 on dirt that stands as the unbroken American record. Dr. Fager carried more than 130 pounds to victory against top competitors like Hall of Fame inductee Damascus.
Man o’ War, born in 1917
Winning record: 20 wins, 21 starts, 1 second, 0 third
Gains: $249,465
The Man o’ War was a huge chestnut colt with an iconic star on his forehead. He was the sport’s first superstar, and his performances on the track were nothing short of incredible. He won all 20 races, including the 1919 Belmont Stakes by 20 lengths, becoming the sport’s first-ever champion. Many people believe that had he not been sent to stud at three years old, Man o’ War would have been even more successful.
Citation, born in 1945
Winning record: 32 wins, 45 starts, 10 seconds, 2 thirds
Gains: $1,085,760
Citation made history by becoming the first horse to win $1 million in prize money. Throughout his career, he won 32 out of 45 races–a fantastic accomplishment that includes a 16-win streak (a record for American thoroughbreds). In 1948, he ran the Whitney Handicap with top 130 pounds and beat formidable competition from future Hall of Famer Coaltown.
Kelso, born in 1957
Winning record: 39 wins, 63 starts, 12 seconds, 2 thirds
Gains: $1,977,896
Throughout his 83-race career, Kelso was a reliable and speedy winner, taking home 39 victories. His best showing was in the 1963 Jockey Club Gold Cup, where he broke a record by carrying 140 pounds to win against some of America’s finest horses. This impressive performance earned him Horse of the Year honors five times—more than any other horse in history.
Native Dancer, born in 1950
Winning record: 21 wins, 222 starts, 1 second, 0 thirds
Gains: $785,240
Native Dancer was one of the most popular horses in America during the 1950s. The gray colt with the black spots won an astonishing 20 of his 21 starts. His only loss came in the 1953 Kentucky Derby when he finished second to Dark Star. Native Dancer’s most impressive victory came in the 1952 Preakness Stakes when he defeated rival Hill Rise in a photo finish. He went on to win the Belmont Stakes and was named Horse of the Year.
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Affirmed, born in 1975
Winning record: 22 wins, 29 starts, 5 seconds, 1 third
Gains: $2,393,818
Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown in 1978. He did it dramatically, narrowly defeating arch-rival Alydar in all three races. Affirmed also set a still-standing record by winning the Belmont Stakes in 2:26 flat. He was later named Horse of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Secretariat, born in 1970
Winning record: 16 wins, 21 starts, 3 seconds, 1 third
Gains: $1,316,808
Secretariat is widely considered to be the greatest racehorse of all time. He won the Triple Crown in 1973, setting new records in all three races. His time in the Belmont Stakes was an astounding 2:24, which is still the fastest run. Secretariat was later named Horse of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Spectacular Bid, born in 1976
Winning record: 26 wins, 30 starts, 2 seconds, 1 third
Gains: $2,781,608
Spectacular Bid was one of the most talented racehorses of all time. He won 25 of his 26 starts, including 19 stakes victories. Spectacular Bid’s only loss came in the 1979 Belmont Stakes when he stepped on a safety pin and finished third. He was later named Horse of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Forego, born in 1970
Winning record: 34 wins, 57 starts, 9 seconds, 7 thirds
Gains: $1,938,957
Forego was a big and powerful horse, one of his generation’s best performers. He won 34 of his 54 starts, including 20 stakes victories. Forego’s most impressive performance came in the 1974 Jockey Club Gold Cup when he carried 140 pounds to win against some of the best horses in America. He was later named Horse of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
John Henry born in 1975
Winning record: 39 wins, 83 starts, 15 seconds, 9 thirds
Gains: $6,597,947
John Henry was a durable and consistent performer who raced 83 times in his career. He won an incredible 39 races, including 20 stakes victories. John Henry’s most impressive performance came in the 1981 Arlington Million when he defeated a talented field that included eventual Hall of Famer The Bart. He was later named Horse of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 greatest racehorses of all time. These horses were all superstars in their own right, and each one left an indelible mark on the sport of horse racing. Thanks for reading!